This is fabulous, feel-good, get-the-job done skincare. I really wish there was a version of this product for other parts of my life. (But since there isn't; I'll spend a bit of time appreciating this particular Cleanser. )

For one thing, it cleans extremely well. Without scrubbing, it got rid of every speck of makeup (including my waterproof mascara). It was also incredibly gentle (even soothing). It rinsed easily (and quickly), and left my skin soft, refreshed and balanced. The key ingredients are yucca extract, rose hip seed oil and sunflower seed oil – which may have something to do with why my skin felt so good after washing. It was great on my combination skin; and I suspect it would be amazing for anyone whose skin might be dry or sensitive.

Take a look at the website. There's a huge selection of wonderful products to pamper and nurture your skin. And one of the best things I've come across is PCA's Skin Education section. PCA's products and treatments are available through select clinical practices throughout the United States and in 60 countries worldwide. (I've also seen this cleanser at Dermstore and Beauty Bridge.).(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Monday, August 30, 2010

Yup, I’m afraid that Little Miss Crankypants is back today. After a fabulous vacation weekend, I spent the day trying to get caught up...and then realized about an hour ago that I’m not going to get everything done that I wanted. Grrr. Of course it has nothing to do with the fact that I overscheduled myself. And sleeping late has nothing to do with it either. The fact that I’m behind schedule is entirely the fault of everything…except me.

Okay, that little burst of immaturity actually made me feel better. But I still want to eat an entire cake. Instead I’m going to take a big girl pill, and cheer myself up more constructively by talking about something that just smells yummy and cheerful. From Pacifica.

Blurb: Brook Harvey-Taylor, the perfumer and founder of Pacifica, created this fragrance as a love note to the Southern California neighborhood where she grew up. This sunny perfume blends the laid-back beauty of jasmine with the subtle earthiness of driftwood freshly washed onto the shore. Bright notes of orange playfully emerge at the top. This portable, affordable, adorable luxury is 100% vegan and not animal tested.

This perfume is perfect for adding some sunshine to a day that isn’t going so well. It has a wonderful Jasmine fragrance combined with earthy driftwood and bright citrus notes. It’s lovely, relaxed and cheerful. I also love that it comes in a little purse-friendly roll-on. It’s great to have throughout the day when cheer is needed…frequently.

Take a look at the website. There are all kinds of soaps, body products and candles to de-stress any day. There’s a nice special values section, and you can also visit Brook's Blog. Also, when you subscribe to their email updates, you’ll be automatically entered to win a $100 gift certificate. Pacifica products are also available at Sephora.

Happy Monday!.(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Friday, August 27, 2010

I wasn’t sure whether or not I would have computer access during my trip; so I typed up this post ahead of time; and then used magic computer technology so it would publish on Friday. How fancy is that?

Speaking of fancy (warning: cheesy tie-in ahead); I know I’m not the only one looking for fancy, glamorous hair. Growing my hair out has given me all kinds of fun styling possibilities. And speaking of technology (warning: bonus cheesy tie-in); I love that there have been so many fabulous tools invented over the past few years to add to the world’s supply of fanciness. Today’s fab tool (and GIVEAWAY!) is the InStyler.

Blurb: The InStyler® rotating hot iron is a totally new styling and straightening tool unlike any hair styling product ever invented! The secret to the InStyler® iron lies in its rotating heated polishing cylinder, along with four rows of precision-aligned bristles. When you run the InStyler® rotating hot iron through your hair, the first set of bristles gently sort and separate your hair strands. Then the rotating heated polishing cylinder gently glides over your hair, smoothly polishing, straightening, and styling each strand. Finally, the second set of bristles puts the finishing touch on your hair, leaving you with shiny, silky, hair! It's truly amazing! Your hair will be shinier, bouncier and full of lift and life!

I love, love, love this tool! It comes with great instructions as well as a DVD. It’s easy to use and the results are nothing short of fabulous!

It works best on dry hair, so I quickly dried my hair with a blow dryer and brush, smoothed on a heat protecting product, and made about 4 sections. It took a little bit of getting used to, but after a few tries, I was completely comfortable. If you’re accustomed to flat irons, you need to remember that the hot curling iron part is exposed. I suggest doing a few practice “swipes” before heating to get the feel of it.

It took me about 15 minutes the first time, about 10 the second time, and both times the results were amazing. I got super smooth, straight, super shiny hair! And instead of a “pressed” look, my hair had lift and a ton of swing! (And we curly girls love it when we get the swing.) The only time my hair has looked better is when a professional (the talented “Scott”) has done it. I couldn’t believe I got these results at home!

And now you have a chance to win one of your very own because the folks at InStyler are partnering with me for an awesome GIVEAWAY! Thanks InStyler!

How to enter: Send an email to me at ifeelpretty@comcast.net with a comment about any of my 2010 posts. Put "InStyler Giveaway" in the subject line; and put the post title and your comment in the body of the email. You have as many chances to win as I have posts this year (just send each one in a separate email). I'll accept entries through Saturday, September 4 (11:59pm Eastern), and I’ll email the winner on Sunday, September 5. The winner will have 72 hours to respond. If no response, I’ll move to the next randomly selected person. U.S. residents only and GOOD LUCK!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Hello everyone! I seem to back on schedule (fingers crossed). I finally got everything ready for my trip; and now I have a bit of beauty time before hopping in the car. This Thursday’s wonderful facial item is from DHC.

Blurb: Prime time. Once you slide this inconspicuous primer between your skin and your foundation, you'll never know how you lived without it. It evens out coverage by filling in creases and fine lines and smoothing over rough patches, so your face appears flawless. The unique texture of this powdery gel is unlike any you've ever felt-it's not sticky or greasy. With its ability to keep oil in check, you'll even forget there were such things as makeup mishaps. Not for use on lips.

Sometimes there are so many new and fancy brands coming at me that I have to let my favorites languish for a bit. Today I need to take DHC out of “languishment” in order to remind everyone about how they just keep putting out consistently excellent products. I’m always amazed at their steady stream of high quality, useful, and super practical items.

I had never tried this primer until I got a sample, and now I wish I had checked it out sooner. The texture felt very slippery at first, then set to a weightless, matte finish (and a little bit went a very long way). It filled in some of my fine lines, smoothed over my pores and made an excellent base for my foundation. It also had superior shine control – definitely one of the best oil control products I’ve tried!

I highly recommend that you check out the website (I can spend hours there), browse the awesome sale section, and be sure to request a catalogue (they usually come with samples). And just in case you’re still not satisfied, DHC also sells Fine Foods (yes indeed, they really do)!.(ftc disclosure: received as sample with purchase)

Yowza! The night came fast today. Suddenly the day is almost over (as I’m typing this, I have only 3 minutes left of Wednesday). But before I turn in for the evening, here’s some fabulous night time beauty from Estée Lauder.

Blurb: All the proven repair of our #1 Serum. You'll see a reduction in the look of every key sign of aging around your eyes—fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, dryness, puffiness and uneven skintone. Keeps the entire eye area looking fresher, rested and revitalized.

Blurb: One night is what it takes to start looking 10 years younger. Inspired by the science of cellular regeneration, Estée Lauder Research takes you to a younger time zone-overnight. In fact, every single woman tested woke up to smoother, more hydrated, comfortable skin. And in just 1 week, women thought their skin looked younger.

Estée Lauder has come out with some truly amazing new launches for fall. But I think these two items may be the most impressive. A couple of weeks ago, I shared the launch info; and was really impressed by some of the breakthrough science behind these products. Happily, I got to try them out; and then I was impressed by the way they performed.

The Night Repair Eye cream is fabulous. Right away, it soothed, softened and made my eye area look brighter and more supple. After about 2 weeks, I noticed that the area generally looked smoother and more hydrated throughout the day.

The Time Zone Night cream is also really special. First, it has a calming lavender fragrance, and the cream is absolutely luscious. (The pampered feeling alone is enough to relax a few lines.) But I also loved the way my skin felt. The cream absorbed quickly and left my skin, soft, dewy and smooth. And in the morning, my skin looked glowy and gorgeous.

Sorry my review is so speedy! But if you want more info, check out the website. Besides these two awesome items, there’s a whole collection of amazing color for fall. (And don’t forget to check out the special offers). Of course the best way to check anything out is up close and personal. (Thank goodness Estée Lauder is available at fine department stores.)

Good night!

P.S.: for those of you insomniacs who aren’t quite ready for bed – how about a little night music?

.(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Hello everyone! I meant to post this yesterday, but the day was gone before I knew it. Not to worry – that just means you'll be getting two reviews today!

Speaking of waiting (see post title); I had to (gasp!) wait to try this out. There was absolutely no way I could justify buying another shadow this month (especially a purple one). Luckily Sephora came to the rescue – they offered an awesome bag of samples to Beauty Insiders; and one of them was a deluxe sample from Urban Decay.

From uptown neutrals like black, grey and brown to bright pops of turquoise, green and purple, the galaxy of shades helps create tons of looks, and blend well with our other Eyeshadows and Eye Pencils. The futuristic, squeeze-open case holds over TWO TIMES the amount of product in our other Eyeshadows. With all this Stardust, you’ll be dreaming of a date night at the laserium…

I have a whole lot of purple/lavender/violet/mauve shadows on my vanity; and I still found this one to be outstanding. For starters, the shade is gorgeous (purple…duh), and the quality is fabulous. The color stayed put all day - and so did the sparkle! What I also loved about the formula was that the shimmer (created with something called "reflex") didn't make the texture grainy at all. In fact it was really silky.

Instead of looking glittery, the finish is more of a soft twinkle. There's plenty of sparkle, but the effect is kind of a dewy, soft focus. And after it sets, there's a slight "glazed" effect (which added a bit more dreaminess).

I applied it three ways and got three very different results. With a sponge tip, I got lovely, fairly saturated color. With a dry brush, I got a sheer, shimmery wash; and when I used a wet brush, I got stunning, intense color with lots of coverage (almost like a foil effect).

You can check all of this out on the website (as well as some of the cool new stuff). If you're feeling budget conscious like me, be sure to visit the clearance section. And if you're looking for inspiration, check out the Steal Our Looks page. Urban Decay is also found at Sephora, Ulta, and beauty.com..(ftc disclosure: received as sample with purchase)

Monday, August 23, 2010

First…I'm feeling mighty sheepish. Somehow in all the rush; I completely forgot to post something for hair care Friday! Duh! I was so preoccupied that I didn't even notice until today. My apologies, everyone – I promise that the hair care fun will continue this coming Friday (and there will also be a super cool giveaway)!

I'm not going to feature a hair product today; but to kind of (sort of) make up for my airheaded-ness, I'm featuring a fab product from one of my favorite hair care brands. Check out some awesomeness from Philip B!

The site says that it's not for face, hair or sensitive surfaces; but it's fabulous for just about everything else! I used it all weekend, and now I want a 10-year supply. Saturday, I did a huge cleaning marathon; and I tried it on my linens, curtains and towels. I got an amazing fresh, cool scent all through my apartment. I spritzed it on my pillows and went to sleep surrounded by a wonderful, clean blend of herbs, lavender and mint.

I also brought it with me yesterday to an outdoor barbecue. It was hot and humid (yet again); so I kept my little bottle nearby and spritzed my neck and arms every now and then. It was heavenly!

The great thing about the fragrance is that it's completely unisex. It works equally well for a girly bedroom or a man cave (or man) in need of some instant aromatherapy. This would also be a great item for cooling off at the beach, a quick afternoon pick-me-up, or to freshen up a hotel room.

Check it all out on the website. And be sure to take a peek at the What's New section, and browse the list of retailers in your area!.(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Thursday, August 19, 2010

This will be a short, but incredibly enthusiastic post. I tried this foundation over the weekend and wanted to tell you about it immediately. But somehow I managed to control myself and wait for Thursday to roll around. Read all about this fabulous, fabulous foundation from AMOREPACIFIC.

So let’s all just pretend that it’s still Wednesday night (and not Thursday morning). Since I haven’t gone to sleep yet, it's still “tonight.” I had another day where there was too much to do and not enough time to get it all done. Even though I'm going to write my review, I’m still going to bed with a pretty big “to do” list.

I’m trying frantically to think of some kind of tie-in between running out of time and “age-reverse.” So far the things I’ve come up with are too corny even for me. So let’s just get to our two stellar items from Exuviance.

Blurb: A Triple Firming Complex of NeoGlucosamine™, Retinol & Peptides combined with an antioxidant complex of pomegranate and Vitamins A and E help reverse the signs of aging skin while fending off free radicals during the day. Firm and plump deeper wrinkles. Target uneven pigmentation. Protect and repair.

I’d already heard a lot about this regimen, and I was impressed by the clinical trial results; so I decided to give these items a good long try before writing my review. I used them for 4 weeks and was not disappointed.

The BioActiv Wash was gentle, cleaned well and left my skin feeling very balanced. There was no tightness or dry feeling at all. You do need to remember, though, to wet the skin first, then apply the foam. The Day Repair also worked really well. It absorbed quickly, hydrated, felt great; and I really appreciated the sunscreen.

The big payoff, though, is that my skin really does look brighter and more even after 4 weeks. Summer is always tough because even though I make sure to use sunscreen at all times, there’s still a little bit of pigmentation that creeps in. But this time my skin seems a bit brighter (instead of darker) than it did 4 weeks ago. Excellent!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Oh my goodness, I am sleepy! My guest got on her plane this morning (early!); and consecutive late nights of girl talk have created a seriously drowsy blogger. (It just took me several tries to spell the word “seriously.”)

Luckily, a fun phone call gave me a second wind (mostly); so I’m going to use the opportunity to post my review before I get all slow again. Today’s awesome eye-opening item is from Elizabeth Grant Skincare.

Blurb: A wrinkle fighting innovation that offers immediate and long term benefits. Contains an advanced concentrate of regenerative ingredients with a micro-smoothing action to instantly diminish and soften the appearance of wrinkles. Collagen and peptides reinforce the cellular matrix helping to prevent the appearance of future lines and wrinkles. The result - on application, Eye Fill Concentrate melts into the wrinkle and immediately makes the skin look smoother and unwrinkled. Long term – the skin regains a rejuvenated, flawless look.

Elizabeth Grant has come to the rescue of my sleep-deprived eyes more than once. The products are consistently excellent (as well as luxurious); yet somehow they’ve managed to outdo even themselves with this new (really unique) formula.

In the short term: the first thing I noticed was the innovative packaging. It’s an easy-to-use pump with a super-thin tube for applying the Concentrate exactly where it’s needed. The Concentrate absorbs right away, soothes, hydrates, and has a slight brightening effect. Truly awesome. I felt no greasiness, heaviness or tightness; and my annoying tiny lines were definitely softened and “filled in.” (It also made an excellent base for my eye makeup.)

In the long term: The best thing I’ve noticed is that after about four weeks, my tiny lines are looking tinier. (Yay!) Keeping skin lifted throughout the day and night helps prevent further creasing, so I feel confident that there’s some prevention going on at the same time as the instant gratification.

Take a look at the website - and take an extra good look at the specials. Right now, residents of Canada can vote for their favorite beauty must-haves (and qualify for a chance to win an awesome beauty pack). For you non-Canadians, Elizabeth Grant is also available at ShopNBC and The Shopping Channel..(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Monday, August 16, 2010

Sorry my review is so late! I have a guest from out of town, and our girly weekend is still going on. So far it’s been talking, laughing, shopping, more talking, browsing, chick flick, talking, dinner, lunch, and…talking. It’s been pretty awesome.

But I still couldn’t let the day go by without telling you about one of my new favorite things. From Tarte Cosmetics.

Blurb: This super-slim pencil is a must when trying to achieve a sexy smokey eye. The result? That smoldering look that you see in all the magazines but aren’t sure how to create – this is the finishing touch.

I love, love, LOVE the look of wetlining! I think it looks super sexy and sophisticated. But finding a liner for the inner rim can be tricky. You need a non-irritating formula that will also stay put for a reasonable amount of time. Since I wear contact lenses, I have to be especially careful about anything that comes close to the eye surface. And wetlining isn’t for everyone.

That said, I am thoroughly sold on this liner! It’s very very skinny and perfect for getting right up near the lash line. It’s very soft (so no scratching or irritation during application). It also stays sharpened. What sold me, though, was how long it lasted. No rim liner stays put all day; but my morning application lasted almost three hours. That’s amazing. And after it did wear off, I didn’t notice any residue around the eye area at all. Excellent!

If you’re not interested in wetlining; you’ll still find this a very useful liner. It’s extremely thin, and great for getting tiny perfect lines when you want them. (My only complaint is that there aren’t more colors.)

Friday, August 13, 2010

Not only is today Hair Care Friday; it's also Friday the 13th. And...it's also National Left Handers' Day!

The fact that these days intersect means it's a day of especially good luck (I completely made that up...because I'm left-handed). I also decided that this is the day to celebrate paradoxes, oxymorons and anything that has to do with contrasts and/or opposites. So what better day to talk about a dry shampoo? And hey…how about the one from CLEAN?

Blurb: Keep it CLEAN in between shampoos! CLEAN Dry Shampoo helps absorb excess oil in the hair to maintain that just shampooed fresh scent and look in between washes. Time-released CLEAN fragrance keeps your hair smelling fresh all day long. Cotton Vantage™ is a smart technology based on cotton seeds, extracts and proteins that self-adjusts to help absorb excess oil.

This was part of the 4-Piece Essential Collection I reviewed a couple of weeks ago. I've never tried a Dry Shampoo before. I loved it, and wanted to give it it's own special spot. It's another product I never would have thought to try, but am glad I did.

First, I waited an extra day between washings (it nearly killed me). I put some on my hands (not too much!!), flipped my hair over and worked it through my roots and scalp. Then I flipped my hair back and distributed the Shampoo down to the tips. I was so happily surprised! My hair smelled fresh and clean, and the Shampoo cut down the oiliness that had built up. My hair was ready to go in about 2 minutes!

In addition to morning emergencies; this would be an awesome product to have in your bag on hot and/or muggy days when you have to go from afternoon to evening and don't have time to go home and freshen up. Love, love love this!

Check out the new skincare line, KeSARI, and its inaugural product, Triphala Radiance Firming Serum. Inspired by natural Indian healing remedies, it launched last Saturday, in partnership with the release of the movie Eat, Pray, Love.

Read more (you can also become a fan of KeSARI here, and/or find the Triphala Radiance Firming Serum here)…

Introducing KeSARI BeautyUniting ancient wisdom from India with modern science.

India, a land of inspiration, fantasy, color, beauty and mystique, is home to an estimated 13,000 plant species, 18 official languages, and over 1000 dialects. A culture based on spirituality and serenity, India embraces the intricate practices of beauty with ancient and sacred traditions that continue to guide the rituals of daily life. KeSARI modernizes ancient traditions to create a beauty product that women can use as a daily ritual for beautiful, radiant skin. Inspired by eastern beauty methods, KeSARI ingredients have been advanced to create the most efficacious firming serum available.

KeSARI means Saffron in Hindi. The expensive and potent natural resource is known as the Spice of the Gods and has been used in Indian beauty rituals for centuries to firm and smooth dry skin. Coming from the dried stigmas of the saffron crocus, it takes 75,000 blossoms or 225,000 hand-picked stigmas to make a single pound. One ounce of saffron is literally worth its weight in gold.

“Beauty practices originated in India. One of the oldest and most sacred traditions is performed the day before a bride’s wedding ceremony. Ubtan, a mixture of Indian spices including saffron, is rubbed all over the brides face, hands and feet to rejuvenate and brighten her skin for her wedding day,” says Creative Director of KeSARI, Richa Purohit.

KeSARI brings ancient solutions to modern life with natural ingredients of India Triphala and Saffron. These ingredients preserve the skin’s nutrient reservoir, counteracting toxins that cause premature aging and lackluster skin.

Triphala (tri-‘fa-lә) is comprised of three transforming herbal extracts Amla, Bibitaki and Haritaki, that fuse together to replenish and reawaken skin, imparting pure and natural radiance. Triphala is the ultimate remedy, enhancing skin clarity and bringing dull, tired skin to life.

Amla, the Indian Gooseberry, has a long tradition in Ayurvedic medicine as a potent antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is said that one Amla berry has more Vitamin-C than 10 oranges and is essential to the production of collagen.

Bibitaki is found deep in India’s forests; the herb functions as an antiseptic to purify and enliven the skin.

Haritaki is commonly used in the preparation of many Ayurvedic medicines as it protects the skin from free radicals, which helps prevent premature aging.

KeSARI debuted its newest product on HSN on Saturday, August 7th. In partnership with the release of the movie Eat, Pray, Love, KeSARI Creative Director, Richa Purohit will go on air to introduce the Triphala Radiance Firming Serum during HSN’s day dedicated to products inspired from India.

Check out this exciting Remington launch event – you can win a trip to Chicago, and a makeover with celeb stylist Richard Marin! Hurry – you have to enter by Sunday, August 15!

Win a Trip to Chicago with Remington!

This September Remington will launch a revolutionary new styling line, T-Studio Pearl Ceramic, exclusively at ULTA, and you could be a part of it. Enter now for a chance to win a trip for two to Chicago for the ULTA State Street launch event and a makeover session with celebrity stylist, Richard Marin! Entries must be received by August 15th – to enter visit www.remingtonproducts.com/pearl.

Do you love “So You Think You Can Dance” as much as we do? We went straight to the hit show’s key makeup artist Heather Cummings to find out what she uses on the skin of this season’s rising stars. The answer? PCA SKIN products!

“I love the PCA SKIN Creamy Cleanser because it is gentle and hydrating and perfect for our dancers’ sensitive skin. It effectively removes dirt, debris and makeup without stripping their skin of essential moisture.” – Heather Cummings, Key Makeup Artist on “So You Think You Can Dance”.

Have Your CakeA NEW deliciously sweet set of multi-purpose, multi-use mini’s

Good things really do come in small, pretty packages. Yes you can have your cake and a generous serving too, with this (best of the batch) 11 piece deluxe sampler set. You’ll be delighted with this sweet assortment of multi-use, multi-purpose, must-have goodies. Great for gift giving too! Indulge.

Cake Beauty is an indulgent bath, body and hair care line with multi-purpose product offerings that are infused with natural, raw ingredients, the cornerstone of Cake’s success. All Cake products are 100% paraben free formulas that are 90-95% naturally based.

To get the look: Ouidad Styling Mist is a Hollywood mane-stay. Styling Mist is a light spray designed with a dual purpose – to hold a style in place and as a setting spray to secure strands in a specific pattern. Designed for long-lasting hold while allowing for movement and is never sticky – keeping curls famously flawless.

Ouidad Styling Mist ($15) is available at www.ouidad.com and at certified Ouidad Salons, select Sephora stores and Sephora.com..

"I think eyeshadow brings to a woman a lot of self-confidence and power. The new Pure Color EyeShadow shades and finishes are sensual and powerful and I love them. These are definitely my babies." – Tom Pecheux, Creative Makeup Director, Estée Lauder.

Estée Lauder and Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux introduce the new definition of high-impact color with a vibrant collection of eyeshadows that envelop the eyes in raw attitude and style. Long lasting pigments, fade resistant formulas and four buildable finishes are fused with bold, rich hues to create infinitely versatile eye looks. From natural to smoldering, this couture collection of shadows is expertly crafted and specially formulated to maintain the highest quality of color performance, uniting beauty and fashion. Revel in the variety of rich shades from plush purple and antique gold, to smoky graphite and sweet sugar… the new Pure Color for Eyes.

High Performance Formula• Technologically advanced reflective pearls provide an exclusive ultra brilliance• Buildable coverage from a slight whisper of color to a dramatic flush. Wear alone or layer shades for a customized look• A perfect blend of spherical and smooth powders deliver a flawless, smooth application• Color-true formula will not fade, flake or crease

Modern, Chic Design• A sleek, golden mirrored compact with oversized Estée Lauder cartouche for a luxurious presentation• The jeweled-like compact, incorporates a mirror for ease in application• The new, specially designed sponge-mitt applicator was created to work with all four finishes• Delivers exceptional adhesion and application on the entire eye area• Specially designed micro pores apply each formula evenly and smoothly

The Pure Color EyeShadow will be available at all Estée Lauder counters nationwide and www.esteelauder.com starting in August 2010..

The Teen Choice Awards had a whole lot of beauty going on. Read all about it…

FLIRT! Cosmetics Hits Teen Choice 10 in Style!

FLIRT! Cosmetics mixed and mingled with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars and teen icons at Teen Choice 2010 exclusive MorrocanOil Celebrity Gift Retreat produced by Backstage Creations. Stars from favorite television shows and movies such as Glee, The Twilight Saga, Wizards of Waverly Place, Modern Family, Step Up 3D and The Secret Life of the American Teenager all received an exclusive FLIRT! “red carped ready” kit which included everything they needed to get glam for the night including FLIRT! It Curl Mascara, FLIRT! Glamourazzi Lip Lacquers and FLIRT! Rock-n-Rebel Fragrance.

Key highlights from the suite included Naya Riveria (Santana from Glee) who loved FLIRT! It Curl Mascara’s pin-up inspired visual, Victoria Justice (Victorious and Teen Vogue September cover girl) who was excited to try the It Curl mascara, Sarah Hyland (Modern Family) who loved the look of Glamourazzi Lip Lacquers and was excited to try the shades and George Lopez, the “fourth Kardashian sister”, who liked Rock-n-Rebel for himself and “took the makeup for” his new Kougar Kardashian alter ego.

Moroccanoil®, the leader in luxury professional argan oil-infused styling, finishing and conditioning products for hair, presented the official Moroccanoil Celebrity Retreat by Backstage Creations at TEEN CHOICE 2010 this year. The Backstage Retreat also served as a giving opportunity for celebrities. Moroccanoil will donate $10,000.00 among World Wildlife Fund (www.worldwildlife.org), Los Angeles-based Much Love Animal Rescue (www.muchlove.org), and Farm Sanctuary (www.farmsanctuary.org) with celebrities attending the event choosing how the donation will be allocated, according to the number of votes each charity receives.

Held backstage at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, the location where TEEN CHOICE 2010 will be broadcast, the Retreat hosted some of Young Hollywood’s leading names who visited after rehearsals and before the show started. Stars visiting the Celebrity Giving and Gifting Retreat were able to activate a donation and receive a special Moroccanoil Sports Bag including: original Moroccanoil Treatment, Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo, Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Conditioner, Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream, Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, a set of Moroccanoil Ionic Ceramic Hair Brushes and a specially designed Moroccanoil spa robe.

World Wildlife Fund is the world’s leading conservation organization, working to protect endangered species and their habitats. www.worldwildlife.org

Farm Sanctuary works to end cruelty to farm animals and promotes compassionate living through rescue, education and advocacy. www.farmsanctuary.org

Much Love Animal Rescue is dedicated to reducing overpopulation, abuse and neglect of domestic animals. They provide adoption and fostering information as well as profiles of animals in need of homes. www.muchlove.org.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

My Thursday face is feeling just great today! Last night I got a huge treat. A friend of mine who likes to play amateur scientist invited me over to be his test subject (yay!). All I had to do was set my busy thoughts aside, eat stuff, drink stuff, then sit back and let him try out his various concoctions on me. He comes up with tons of great ideas for skincare and bodycare, then makes everything himself (using all natural ingredients). My two favorites were a face cream, and an awesome(!) warming solution. There was also a cool hand treatment. (I wish I could get recipes to share; but they're not for public consumption.)

Since I'm all hydrated and moisturized now; I'm going to talk about something pretty that goes on after the skincare. Today's Thursday facial item is from Lorac.

I snapped one up last week when Sephora was offering it as a Sweet Deal ($9 instead of the usual $32…sweet). Had it not been for the special offer, I may have overlooked it. Luckily I bought one, and I am glad – I love it!

It's a very fine, light-weight powder that feels almost creamy on my skin (no worries, though, it's oil free). I really loved the texture. It goes on as lightly and evenly as if it were a liquid. And the effect is lovely. The finish is glowy and shimmery (without looking overdone or glittery). I especially like it on the tops of my cheekbones; and it's great for highlighting eyes, brow, and cupid's bow. It's wonderful for daytime – especially for days when you want to skip the foundation. And of course it's perfect for glamming up an evening look.

The shade offered during the "deal" was just right for me ("Spotlight"); but there are two other shades available as well ("Luminous" and "Radiant"). As always, I'm pointing you towards the website to have a look. While you're there, check out Carol Shaw's red carpet tips, and sign up for the VIP list to take advantage of discounts and special offers. You can also shop Lorac at QVC and Sephora..(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Hi everyone! Sorry, but I just ran out of time and won't be able to write my review today!

What to do?

How about a crazy medley? With the Osmond Brothers? And...Cher? The costumes alone will make you smile. If you're holding a beverage, it might be a good idea to put it down before clicking the "play" button.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Today was another hot, hectic day. But I’m also feeling a lot of gratitude. Some of my friends are having a really hard time right now with family and health problems; and I realize that even when things feel difficult, I have a lot of reasons to feel blessed and grateful.

Today’s review is also a plug for FusionBeauty and Seven Bar Foundation’s Kiss Away Poverty campaign. I know my fluffy little blog can’t solve all the problems of the world, but today seems like a good day to do a little something.

About the Seven Bar Foundation: For those who understand the difference between giving someone money and teaching them how to make it themselves, the concept of Microfinance is nothing new. It is the most sustainable, scaleable and cost-effective poverty alleviation tool.

The idea is simple: individuals are provided with small loans to start or grow small businesses, allowing them to become economically self-sufficient, provide for their families for the long-term and replace dependency on limited donor funds.

If you’d like to support this cause (or just look great), here’s a wonderful product that does double duty. It’s a luxurious gloss paired with an effective plumper. I tried “Vixen” (a smoky, shimmery mauve); and loved the sheer, edgy color paired with the sexy shimmer. The formula feels wonderful (not sticky at all), lasts, and quickly gives a boost of plumpness. The quality is excellent (and it also has a yummy grapefruit scent)!

And...for every shade sold - $1 will go towards FusionBeauty and Seven Bar’s Kiss Away Poverty campaign! Something to think about if you have any gift giving in your future.

Blurb: Cooling, soothing and skin softening, this calming gel has a base of organic aloe to help revitalize skin after sun exposure. Divinely uplifting fragrance of premium high altitude lavender. Contains skin cooling ingredients including organic aloe vera and cucumber. Natural source vitamin E for valuable protection from the environment.

I avoid the sun, so I haven’t had a sunburn (or even much of a tan) in over 10 years. But it just so happens I have a sun-worshipping friend who routinely ignores my “helpful” (aka annoying and intrusive) suggestions about sunscreen and the avoidance of sun bathing.

During an especially hot and sunny weekend, my friend's shoulders and chest got a little pink; so instead of saying “I told you so;” I extended my lily-white hand in friendship, and asked her to try out this product.

She absolutely loved it! She said it was cooling, soothing and smelled wonderful. It made her skin feel soft (without any heaviness or greasiness). And I have to admit, her previously exposed skin looked very supple and hydrated all evening. Now don’t go thinking this is some kind of crazy “license to tan;” but if your skin gets a little too much solar exposure, having this at your disposal will make everything a whole lot better.

I also tried it out on my own arms and legs and loved the way it felt. The light lavender fragrance is gorgeous, and the gel has an immediate refreshing cooling sensation (but no tightness). It felt lovely at the end of the day. This would be an excellent treat any time the elements (dry heat, wind, salt water, chlorine, etc.) stress your skin.

For more info, check out the website. In addition to the amazing selection of products, there's a helpful kits and gifts section. (And don’t forget to check out the Summer offer.).(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Friday, August 6, 2010

Just in case I haven't said it enough…I am in hot freaky LOVE with Privé haircare. Ever since I tried their Concept Vert Shampoo and Conditioner last year, I've been a giant fan. I love their commitment to the environment and sustainability…and I especially love how they've combined earth friendliness with fabulous, fabulous hair care!

To begin with, they've come up with aweseome eco-friendly (and beauty friendly) packaging. The froth comes in a non-aerosol bottle (recyclable). It's the same concentrated high-yield idea that leads to less packaging and waste. It also makes it pressure resistant (and perfect for travel).

It starts out as a liquid. I put a quarter-sized amount in my hands and rubbed my palms together. Then the liquid puffed up into a foam (I gotta say – it was pretty cool. So cool that I did it twice). I worked the foam through my (damp) hair from roots to ends, flipped my head over and scrunched a bit. That was it. I just let my hair air dry while I put on my makeup.

The results were fantastic! I got all the volume, frizz-control, hold and curl definition of a mousse with added softness and shine. I couldn't believe how touchable my hair was! The fact that it's color safe and enriched with antioxidants hardly matters; but it's nice to know it's there – I mostly cared about how great my hair looked and felt!

Check out the website – there's even a video with tips on how to use. Thank you (again) for the awesomeness, Privé!

And a happy Friday to all of you!...TGI(finally)F!.(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

I love that this does double duty. It reduces the appearance of pores and it fights breakouts. Actually, it does triple duty because it also contains retinol. No wait...quadruple duty - it also acts as a primer. It's good for all skin types, but it's especially great for those of us who are oily or acne-prone.

I tried it on a few of "those days" when my skin was exceptionally oily and badly behaved. I smoothed it on before applying sunscreen and got instant gratification. My pores definitely looked smaller, my skin looked smoother, and my sunscreen and foundation looked great. I also got some extra gratification when I noticed that it kept shininess away for hours.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Almost a year ago, I had an amazing lightbulb moment. August can be a chaotic time, and 2009 was no exception. One Sunday, I realized that my best strategy was to just let go of everything I "should" be doing and surrender. So I waved the white flag and took myself away from it all for a day. I didn't go on vacation or anything; I just stepped outside of my normal life and did something for my soul.

Today I had a perfectly evil morning where everything was chaotic and out of my control. Suddenly, I just let it all go. I realized that there was nothing I could do; and I could spend 4 hours freaking out, or just submit and save my sanity. I chose option #2. After all the madness subsided, I lowered my white flag and got back to work. As I was breathing a sigh of relief, I was suddenly reminded of that day last year - and my corresponding blog post.

So in honor of graceful retreat and intentional surrender; today's items are from the same fabulous company I featured right around this time last year: Erno Laszlo.

If you're needing to give yourself a lot of TLC; you're pretty much guaranteed to get it from Erno Laszlo. They deserve every smidgen of their fine reputation, and these two items are fine examples of why.

The Exfoliator does exactly what it says (I love when that happens). It's a lovely skin polisher that feels wonderful as it gently exfoliates without scratching. It's gentle enough for the most sensitive skin, yet still works very well. The gel formula rinsed away easily and left my skin soft and silky. The Face & Body Protection is one of the most moisturizing and soothing sun protection products I've tried. It glided on like a luxurious body cream, and immediately soothed and hydrated. It also absorbed quickly and kept my skin hydrated all day (of course you should still reapply sunscreen throughout the day). Both products also had light, fresh (unisex) fragrances.

You can take a break from planet chaos right now by visiting the website (there's free shipping on all online orders with code erno113). The items I reviewed today are for all skin types; but Erno Laszlo products address seven different skin types (from extremely dry to extremely oily). I highly recommend spending some time at the Laszlomatic (love that). Erno Laszlo can also be found at fine stores like Nordstrom, Dillard's, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus...

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Check these two amazing skincare launches from Estée Lauder. I can't wait to give them a try!

Estée Lauder Introduces Time Zone Night Anti-Line/Wrinkle Crème

Inspired by the Science of Sirtuin Activation, Tri-Hyaluronic and Amino Acid Technologies for Proven Visible Skin Age Reversal – Overnight

In 2009, Estée Lauder broke new ground in skincare science by re-inventing the anti-wrinkle moisturizer with Time Zone. Guided by Estée Lauder’s unprecedented Age Measurement Study and inspired by the revolutionary science of cellular regeneration, it was the brand’s first moisturizer to target and measurably reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and reverse away the years by helping skin look and behave in a younger way. Now, Estée Lauder introduces NEW TIME ZONE NIGHT ANTILINE/WRINKLE CREME, a powerful formula that works to hydrate skin and dramatically reduce the look of lines and wrinkles for radiant, younger-looking skin.

Every night, skin needs to recover, replenish and rebuild collagen to retain a smooth, youthful look. In addition, skin loses more moisture at night than during the day. To address skin’s critical night-time recovery process, NEW TIME ZONE NIGHT ANTI-LINE/WRINKLE CREME features the following targeted night-time anti-line and wrinkle technologies, to actually reverse skin’s apparent age for a yearsyounger look:

I. Exclusive Sirtuin EX-1 Technology helps support skin’s natural restorative activities and allows cells to optimally utilize other active ingredients in order to help reverse skin’s visible age while optimizing skin’s natural behavior.

II. A NEW Amino Acid Complex helps optimize skin’s natural, nightly replenishment of collagen to fight the appearance of lines and wrinkles during the restorative hours of sleep.

NEW Time Zone Night Anti-Line/Wrinkle Creme has a light, modern night-time signature scent that lulls your senses into a restful mood with top notes of lilac, freesia, and pink marshmallow, tempered with a heart of white orchid, purple iris, and lily of the valley. Completed with Tahitian vanilla, creamy sandalwood, white cedar, and a gentle finish of soft musks, this comforting scent is perfect for bedtime.

The Groundbreaking Repair and Protection Technologies of Advanced Night Repair Now Targeted for the Eye Area to Reduce the Look of Every Key Visible Sign of Aging In 2009, Estée Lauder’s pivotal research in genetic aging provided a new discovery and technology that revolutionized repair with Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex. Today, NEW Advanced Night Repair Eye Synchronized Complex delivers the same revolutionary repair and comprehensive protection as Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex, now targeted specifically for the delicate eye area. With this powerful, new eye gel-serum, a dramatic reduction in the look of every key visible sign of eye aging—fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, dark circles, dryness and uneven skin tone—is now possible.

Skin around the eyes is 40% thinner than the rest of your face, making the eye area the first place to show the visible signs of aging and significantly more vulnerable to environmental damage. NEW Advanced Night Repair Eye Synchronized Complex includes three powerful technologies to address every key visible sign of aging around the eye:

I. Exclusive Chronolux™ Technology helps support the natural synchronization of skin’s repair at exactly the right time. Consequently, the look of the fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes is reduced over time.

II. A patented technology encapsulating Alkyl Guanine Transferase (AGT) continuously repairs the appearance of damage to the eye area from smoke and pollution, in particular toxins and chemicals, putting this new eye gel-serum at the forefront of repairing the look of damage from all known major environmental assaults.

III. A new anti-irritant blend plus a proprietary blend of antioxidants and high levels of proven Hyaluronic Acid work together to create the optimal environment for the natural protection and repair of the delicate eye area, and thus helps reduce the look of dark circles, puffiness and crepiness around the eye.

Results:

NEW Advanced Night Repair Eye Synchronized Complex delivers both immediate and long-lasting results over time to help reduce the look of every key sign of visible aging around the eye area.

Immediately:▪ The eye area receives a burst of hydration to refresh eyes and soften fine dry, lines.▪ Eyes look brighter and more radiant.▪ 90% of environmentally generated free radicals are neutralized before they can cause your skin to look prematurely aged2.

Over time:▪ In just one week, skin is more moisturized and smoother.▪ Skin looks healthier, while the appearance of fine lines and crepiness is diminished. The eye area skin looks firmer and more youthful.▪ Fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, dark circles, dryness and uneven skin tone around the eye are dramatically reduced.

Advanced Night Repair Eye Synchronized Complex is Dermatologist-tested, Ophthalmologist-tested, Non-Acnegenic, Fragrance Free, and can be used on All Skin Types.

Tired of bathroom counter clutter? The Remington 3-in-1 Styler is the solution – a do-it-all tool that revamps a look from day to play, this multipurpose dryer comes complete with every attachment a glamazon could need – for any look she wants.

Beach Waver: Use this special airflow attachment to spin hair into sexy beach waves while simultaneously drying

Smooth Concentrator: Use this attachment to streamline airflow to create a sleek and smooth blowout

Lift-And-Dry Diffuser: Use to soften the airflow for gentler drying, enhancing the hair’s natural volume

so who am i anyway?

(This is me -- bringing my "A" game to kindergarten).......A while back, I re-connected to my inner-beauty junkie and decided to hop on the bandwagon by adding to the fifty gazillion beauty blogs on the web. These days I'm looking for ways to balance creativity, romance, friendships, fashion and sleep. And of course...keeping my eyes open for new ways to feel pretty. If you want to send a note, sample or feedback, contact me at ifeelpretty@comcast.net. I'll gladly respond to your notes and comments, and I'm always happy to check out any product samples and information (I'll only feature products I love, though).

Followers

More information about this site...

#1 Reviews: Since I've gotten several emails asking me why I never seem to dislike anything; I thought I'd put a quick answer here on the site. I try out lots of samples that are sent to me as well as stuff I go out and purchase myself. I decided to only feature products I love - because if I don't love it; I'd rather just get rid of it and move on without having to write about it. I want to have as much fun with this blog as humanly possible and use my time to get all gushy over the really good stuff. So if I don't like something, you'll probably never hear about it.

#2 Disclosure: I just signed on to AdSense (Google’s ad service for bloggers like me), so you’ll be seeing some ads here and there from third-party advertising companies. These companies may use information (not including your name, address, email address, or telephone number) about your visits to this and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you. If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices about not having this information used by these companies, click here.

#3 Disclaimer: This blog is intended for entertainment and informative purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical, personal and/or consumer advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your personal and medical concerns. The author (aka: me) is not liable for any outcome (good or bad) resulting from information obtained from this site. Quite frankly, I'm pretty sure that you already know what you need more than I ever could; so I'm really only adding this disclaimer thingy to be proactive and cover my bases.